X-X-X
Stepping through the portal felt just like walking through an incredibly thin layer of ice. Putting my hand inside first I felt a small amount of resistance push back against my probing fingers, but disappear rapidly as my hand slipped into the shimmering, dark pool of light. It felt cold, a tingling sensation around my wrist where my arm had entered up to. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to enter the rest of the way, taking a firm and steady step forward. With that, I was on the other side...the cold chill of the previous room, replaced with an equally cold, but much heavier atmosphere.
It was as if I had just closed my eyes, and opened them up – the change in scenery was that quick. The place I was in shared the same dark, dim features – candles burning in holdings on the wall, the flames flickering, wavering in the cool wind running through this place. The room I was in was also much smaller and a near perfect square with what appeared to be only one exit – a staircase ahead of me. The construction too was new, the cold, grey stone replaced my obsidian coloured slabs, the floors also a much darker shade...this place screamed evil lair.
Another thing too which I noticed, and of everything so far this was the most shocking...
"Agunimon?" I turned around on the spot, giving a quick spin around as I looked for my partner, but to see no sign of him...he wasn't here!
"Hello?" I called out once more, my voice echoing off distant corridors above the stairs. There was no place to hide in the room, it was empty, total and complete aside from the portal.
I thought perhaps he had yet to step through, and would appear any moment. So I stood there, and looked back at the portal, waiting patiently with my hands across my chest for his inevitable form to appear from behind it...but to no avail. He did not appear, I was alone in this cold and lifeless room.
"Well, no sense being here on my own..." I reached my hand forward deciding that if something was wrong it would be better if I was with my allies, rather than on my own. Putting my hand out, and pushing against the portal like I did last I felt a strange shock, as if I had picked up some static from the gateway. Thinking nothing of it I pushed my hand forward, the static growing in strength, as I could now see visible arcs of it jumping from the outer rim of the portal, to my hand.
"What the..." muttering softly, I took a deep breath and decided that it would be best if I just took the step – I had been through it once, there was no reason to believe I couldn't again.
Taking a confident step forward I attempted to go back on through to the shrine I had been in, closing my eyes as I had done last time I could feel myself touch that layer of brittle ice once more. This time however, was a much different experience.
My eyes snapped open as I felt like I had walked straight into a rock wall and not a normal one, one with a wicked current running through it too! I felt it run along my body and push me back in my attempt to return from where I came. This time the sparks were visible running along the whole portal, the image, fuzzy as it may have been becoming more distorted, twisted as the jolts became more violent, numerous along the surface.
Taking a step back, I covered my eyes as it all came to a dramatic climax, the sparks of electricity buzzed and crackled and with a bright strobe of light. I averted my eyes to avoid being blinded by the whole afraid, the cacophony reaching its peak, before finally disappearing, and leaving me in utter silence.
I stayed as I was for a few seconds, not sure exactly what I would be looking back at when I turned my head to look. An image formed in my mind, an image I was hoping would not be true. Looking back to where the portal had been however confirmed this thought, and the linger tendrils of panic I had felt took firm grasp as I made a stark realisation
The portal had closed, and I was alone...in the enemy's stronghold...without my partner.
To say this was a bad situation would have been an understatement, a huge one. I couldn't understand it, I was certain we had both stepped through at the same time, and entered into the portal – we had even seen the same glimmer of a destination...right? If it would have been dangerous like this surely Agunimon, or even Lorna would have spoken up, and told us not to use it?
I even considered the possibility that this had been a last trap in the dying moments of LadyDevimon, one last way to get at us before passing on...I dismissed this though, as even though she had served the Dark Lords, and been a servant to her – I didn't want to believe that someone in the final moments of life would use them to be so...petty, and single minded. No, it couldn't have been her...
...so what had happened?
These thoughts whirled around in the head like a maelstrom as I paced slightly, back and forth from where the portal had been to where I had appeared – in a way hoping in the back of my mind that the portal would open up once more, and I could use it to go back to the mines from where I had come. No luck.
I felt vulnerable, and then something chilling dawned on me...this was the first time since I came here, aside from my foray into the ruins of the old school house that I had been on my own in the Digital World. Even when Agunimon had been controlled, at least I had the others – but here, in this place I was truly alone...and that thought scared me.
Walking along the sides, and investigating the room itself, it had no obvious mechanisms, no buttons, consoles, levers – anything which would indicate a way to control the way the portal operated, or anything at all. All I had was the stairway leading upwards, upwards into the darkness of this keep, a keep which I knew somewhere had a dark evil waiting to devour me if I took even one misstep.
Realising that I really had no choice, and even though the rational part of my mind was screaming for me to stop, and to be reconsidered – the part of my mind which was slowly accepting the stark reality of the situation took control.
I had to go forward; I had to proceed up those stairs, and beyond into whatever awaited me deeper inside this dreary place.
Staying here was going to do me no good; I had no idea if Agunimon had made it to this place, let alone where this place was. If this was a trap, or some kind of intervention then it was possible whoever put it place would do everything in their power to stop us from being together. It would be what I would have done – separate us.
I took solace in the fact that Agunimon was strong and had lived in the Digital World all his life so I had no doubt wherever he had appeared he was fine, and would be able to figure something out...I had to focus on myself for the meantime, It was me that was out of my element, and treading dangerous waters. My survival skills were less well developed, and with only a couple days experience of life in this world, ill prepared for the dangers that it could potentially present.
Accepting the situation as it was, and having the best appreciation for it as I could, I moved closer, edging closer towards to the lip of the first step. Looking upwards as I peered up the dimly lit climb, I could see that they ascended steeply, about twenty foot before levelling out, beyond that I could see further light flickering in the distance, illuminating a high roof beyond in the corridor above.
Taking a deep breath I steadied my nerves and began the climb, each step upwards felt like a mountain, and the weight on my shoulder getting bigger, and pushing harder against me as I reached the top, the oppressive atmosphere seeping into my very being, certain that I saw movement in the shadows on the wall, only for them to disappear as I looked. What had I got myself into?
Reaching the top, I was in a long, rectangular corridor about hundred foot in length, similar in construction to that of the room I had been in previously, except now equally spaced out on each side were tall, sleek pillars, going along the length of the corridor towards a large, wooden door at the very end. On the wall to the left were several tapestries, and wall scrolls at various stages of damage and decay. Frayed ends and ripped fabric work – not a single one without a tear. The right had the most startling aspect though, which surprised me more than anything – large and tall stained glass windows. Like the one back in the cathedral these featured the same image, a humanoid standing with its hands out, and as previous I couldn't help but shake that this gesture was not one of inviting kindness...
The glass behind it was dimly lit, and I thought for a fleeting moment that perhaps I could open one of them, and see where I was, perhaps in some vain attempt to get an understanding for where I was, and my location. Running over to the nearest one, behind the pillar I investigated for a latch, or anything which could indicate a way to open them up. Placing my hand on the glass it was cool to the touch, and behind it I was sure I could hear the howling of wind. Inspecting the sides I saw no catch, or any indication it would open, not even a hinge.
Sighing in resignation, I stepped away. What difference would it had made anyway? Sure, I would have seen the outside world, but where would that have been? I don't exactly have an atlas of the Digital World with me. Still, it would have been nice to see the sky again...
"Guess there is only one way to go..." I stepped back out into the main part of the corridor, between the pillars, my footsteps echoing around me. To my right was a large, heavy wooden door, and seemingly the only other way out.
Slowly walking down the corridor, I made my way towards it. As I carefully inspected each pillar I stepped passed, somehow expecting something, anything to leap out from behind the shadow of one at any moment and attack me.
This was not the case though, and before long I had traversed the distance and now stood in awe at the door in front of me. Along its frame was heavy wrought iron, with what I could only imagine was silver engraving on top of that – symbols which were unrecognisable to me adorned it, decorating the otherwise plain facade.
About at head height was a handle, large and circular which to me looked as if it could have easily being a door knocker, as well as that of a method to open the door. Given its height and size, it was either there as a statement of decoration, or for someone much larger, and stronger than me to use...I sincerely hoped it was the previous.
Reaching up and taking a hold of it, I paused as I heard a moan of wind behind me. Turning rapidly on the spot I looked back down the corridor I had come from for the source of the sound...only finding an empty room though, the tapestries to the side however flickering, the bare threads being tugged at as they floated weightless in the air, as if dancing to some silent symphony.
Someone was toying with me...I had this feeling deep inside that my arrival was not as much of a surprise as we thought it might be...well, the trap was the first indication, but the doubt in the back of my mind was beginning to come to the fore. If it was trying to intimidate me, or scare me...well it was working – but it wasn't going to stop me.
I couldn't afford to fall apart now, not when I had nothing to fall back on. This was all on me.
With that in mind, knowing I had no support, I turned back to the door and pulled at the large handle, giving it a firm tug. Not expecting much initially I was surprised than with that the door had begun to creek open. Taking the opportunity I pulled at the edge of the wood on the now partially open passage, and easily swung it the rest of the way, opening the way up to the next room...which even though I had never been here before, the singular chair located on high at the opposite side told me everything I needed to know...
This was a throne room – the vipers nest.
Hesitant to step in at first, I scanned the room carefully from where I stood, the hanging doors creaking ever so slightly as I poked my head inside.
The decor was in keeping with the corridor I was stood in – just alot wider. Faded tapestries also hung from the roof, which had a complicated assortment of wooden beams running along it. The throne itself looked to be made of solid rock...I couldn't have imagined it would have been comfortable to sit on.
Behind it was a painting; on either side of it red curtains tied neatly to the side, and unlike the other pieces of fabric looked to be in fairly good condition. The image itself looked to be of a man; although perhaps humanoid might have been a better description. Pitch black with long horns coming from where I would expect ears – completely bald too. Just looking at it gave me the creeps.
Keeping in mind that it was empty, though it may not stay that way for long, I decided to step inside and see if I could find another route out of this place – to the sides on the opposite end of the room were two more pair of matching doors. Thinking one of them had to lead out somewhere I made up in my mind to take the right door.
Carefully creeping through the chamber, being cautious not to stand out too much in the open and keeping to the sides of the pillars. I stayed slow and silent in case anyone burst into the room, I didn't want to be caught now, not when I had managed to stay hidden to this point.
Eventually making it, I took one last look over my shoulder, still being unable to shake off the feeling that I was being toyed with...I once again pulled at the handles, expecting the same ease of opening as the ones which had lead me into this place.
Locked, firm and tight.
Pulling again, this time harder – still no luck, not even budging an inch. A third time I pulled and with a sigh of exasperation I finally let my hand slip away from the cold iron, and stepped back from the door...looks like this wasn't going to go anywhere, it was jammed and wasn't going to open, not to my means anyway.
Not wishing to lose hope, I still had one more door I could try – with a bit more haste, spurred on by my panic levels rising and my desire to leave this awfully dingy place, I made my way straight on over, and repeated the action.
"God damn it..." I did the exact same motions, with the exact same results – no way was I going to be able to open them, not without either some heavy equipment, or explosives.
Resting my head forward, I placed it on the door; my levels of frustrations had no risen to a boiling point. My fist shaking hard beside me, as I dug my nails into my palm, I brought it up and slammed it hard against the wood of the door...mistake.
"GAH!" I had initially only wanted to vent my frustration, however had ended up just hurting myself, the door stoic in the face of such feeble force. I cradled my fist in my other hand and brought it close, flexing my fingers, the pain running down the length of my arm as I made sure I hadn't broken something in my brief lapse of sense and logic...this place was getting to me, that was for sure.
The problem was now I had no idea what to do next. The exits out of this room were sealed, and the only other door took me back the way I had come. I entertained the idea of potentially going back, somehow thinking the portal may have somehow returned, and I would step through and forget everything that had happened here...but I knew that wouldn't be the case.
"You seem to be lost" an unknown deep, male voice suddenly broken me from my concentration and echoed the full chamber. Jumping literally on the spot my head shot up and began to scan the surroundings, in an attempt to identify the owner of the owner of the voice.
"Where are you!? Come out!?" shouting back out to nowhere particular, more concern in my voice came out that I expected as I backed myself up against the door. I heard the voice begin to laugh, as from the rafters above I saw a form of black fog descend to the floor
"As you wish. Here I am, welcome to my castle, human" there was a dark chuckle at the end of his statement which pretty much told me he was the archetype bad guy, and that is welcome was hollow.
The fog from around him began to dissipate, and take form. Coalescing into what was a roughly humanoid shape. Once its head formed I realised I recognised it...it was the person from the painting above the throne! Soon the rest of him formed into his full shape.
He was tall, very fall. At least 8 foot, at least as much as Agunimon, with tattered wings not too dissimilar those of LadyDevimon on his back – though they might look unlikely of flight I had n doubt like her, he could put them to great use. His limbs were long, disproportional to the normal human form, and at the end of his hands were fiendishly sharp claws. His whole body was dark, with only a few shapes and patterns applied in red which seemed to show any discerning features. All in all, as he glared down at me, I was terrified...
"Who are you!?" Shouting out to him as confidently as I could, I stood my ground and stood to attention, no longer resting my back against the wooden door, but keeping it firmly to it, with no intention to give his individual an opportunity to get behind me. I had a feeling I knew who he was, given his likeness to his now fallen comrade...but still...I had to be sure.
His dark laugh returned, as he stood to attention and crossed is long arms over his chest, his stare piercing straight through me it felt, looking not just at me, but through and inside me.
"Oh, I think you know who I am" the grin on his face, his sharp teeth...confirming my previous thought.
"Devimon" I replied simply, a matter of fact inflection, and he nodded his head
"Yes, now let me ask you a question – Who are you?" the grin on his face was no replaced with an unreadable poker face, not letting anything away from him. Although I was surprised, surely he knew who I was? I mean, he had sent those minions after me!
"Snow, Jaredin Snow" the grin on his lips returned
"So...that's the name you are going by this time is it? Interesting..." his arms unfolded, and left me rather confused...what did he mean? I was about to enquire further but he cut me off "...you see, this is not the first time we have met...and at the same time we have never met each other before now. This moment, these actions have occurred several times over, or so I am informed by my master...each time it would end the same, you and partner would appear, we would fight, and I...would lose"
"What..." I was confused, what did he mean by all that? He was right this was the first time I had met him, I would have remembered someone like him before! But...these actions have repeated? That didn't make any sense...
"This time is different though..." the tone he had changed to one of smugness now, and pointed directly at me "...tell me, Snow, if you knew something was going to happen, before it did – and you knew it was going to end badly for you...what would you do?"
Taking a moment to think about my response, despite the strangeness of the question the answer was fairly straight forward,
"I would change it, alter it" I tried to put some context to what he saying together, like the mad ramblings of a man who made no sense...it then clicked like light switch, as I realised what he was referring to! The shock on my face must have been apparent, as he grinned and laughed
"Yes! I see you understand...knowing I would be defeated by your partner, I removed your partner from the equation, ha-ha"
"Wait! Where is he!? What have you done to him!?" I growled out as anger filtered through, though if it even registered to him he didn't show it, and merely responded in the same jovial tone.
"Your partner is safe...I merely ensured that you both ended up in different locations in my castle...you see your arrival was no surprise to me. I knew you would defeat LadyDevimon, and make your way here. I wanted to make sure though we had this opportunity to...chat, without interference" I highly doubted to just chat was on his agenda...but, I let out an internal sigh of relief at least, I didn't trust him one bit but if Agunimon was in danger no doubt he was the type to gloat and hold it over me...and if he was in the castle...perhaps...
I reached into my hand to clasp my digi-vice...and held it tightly, hoping somehow it would let Agunimon know where I was... 'Please, help me' I repeated in my head. Taking a deep breath, I tried to regain my composure.
"So...what's going to happen now?" I could try figure out what he meant by everything else later...preferably far away from this place...for now I had to worry about the here, and the now. In front of he was a Digimon Dark Lord, no doubt powerful, no, extremely powerful. I was in his castle with no route of escape, and nowhere to run – in fact my back to the wall quite literally. To make matters worse he no doubt intended to make whatever he had in mind long lasting, and painful...the cards were all against me...we had thought to surprise him, when in fact all we had done was walk directly into the spiders web, and get caught.
"Well..." he took a step forth, looking at me the whole time "...I was thinking of keeping you locked up, and interrogating you for 'information'. You see, the irony is that having you were provides me with a unique opportunity, an opportunity to overthrow my 'master' and take my true place as ruler of this world...and, ha-ha, of course the human world with it!" he stepped forward once more, the grin on his face getting wider "It's funny really...when my 'master' shared with me my fate, he told me it was inevitable...a constant, that it had, and would happen, nothing I could do would stop it...he told me to keep me in line, to try and control me...but in reality all he has done is doom himself! No one controls me! No one tells me that I have to die, my fate is my own! For too long have I served his meaningless ends...now, I, Devimon will rise up and take my rightful throne!"
"Wait...what information!?" he reached out to grab me with one of his long arms, his hands grasping forward. Not missing a beat I ducked under it and tumbled to the side. Pulling myself to my feet quickly I avoid a second grab attempt and slowly began backing away from him, my feet barely carrying me as fear rose in my chest, and in my mind...looking around frantically for any means of escape, or attack which I could use...finding myself coming up short on both accounts. All the while Devimon just sneered and walk casually forward, as if he had no care in the world...I was trapped, no doubt he was enjoying this power he had over me...if only I had a way to wipe that look from his face...
"Information that you don't even know you have, or the value of it! That information is key to overthrowing the empire built by that shadow! Don't worry though, I will extract it from you...in the most painful ways imaginable" the dark tone to his voice filled me with dread...I had to get out of here...now!
I had to take the only available exit, and that was the way I came from. Glancing back for a moment, making sure no other traps had been left to try stop me, I took the opportunity and ran for it. Turning on my heels and taking off with all due haste. My thought process was if I could get into the hallway, I might possibly get a window smashed open somehow, and...Take my chances in the wild. It was a slim hope but right now it was the only option I could think would even stand a fighting chance – I certainly couldn't fight Devimon!
"Not so fast, human" I heard him call out from behind me, but dare not look back – staying solely focused on the door, and my only ticket out of here. I ran faster, feeling my legs burn and my lungs ache, taking deep breaths as my heart pounded a mile a minute, from exasperation and the fear that if this failed I was pretty much at the mercy of this monster.
That's when it happened I was so close, literal hair breadth away from exiting the room...and the doors slammed shut with a resounding thump. Unable to stop myself in time I ran straight head first into them, bringing my hands up to try break my speed, and not break my neck.
I hit the door square on, the little wind inside of me being knocked from my chest as I collapsed to the floor; my whole chest was burning now, as my arms ached with the force of which I had hit the solid object. I felt dazed, trying to push myself up but falling straight back down, coughing, wheezing and gasping all at the same time. The whole while the sound of heavy footsteps getting closer, steady, and loud with intent.
"Have we had enough? Come along now, you cannot escape me" I felt something grasp at the back of my neck, and instinctively I tried to fight back, flailing my shoulders and arms in an attempt to break free of Devimon, who had now grabbed me and held me in the air, my feet dangling mere inches from the stone floor. He brought my face onto level with his, as I hung there, if I had moved my head forward I could have head butt him, but no doubt just like the wall it would have ended with little success...I tried kicking at his body, and reaching back with my arms to remove his grasp, but no matter how hard I pulled...he held on tight. The whole time smiling, smiling with a disturbed job
"Get, off!" I growled out in frustration, thinking the whole time in my mind that this was it, and I was done for. I saw a bright light fill the room, and for a moment a cold sensation throughout my entire body...expecting any moment for whatever feeling I might have had to leave my now limp body...the only thought in my mind being frustration that in the end, there had been nothing I could do, nothing I could use to stop him...and I was going die in a place like this.
Now what happened next was a blur for me. The cold sensation begin to disappear as rapidly as it had come on, replaced with a brilliant warmth, and when my eyes focused I saw that I was no longer face to face with Devimon...no, in fact I was no longer being held by the neck anymore either. Feeling a weight on my back, holding me, but not tightly, more like how you would comfort someone?
"What?" muttering, almost whispering, being all I could manage I tried to move my arms, and felt my left one being held down by a heavy weight, pulling at it but with no success. Looking to the side I was shocked to see it was being held in a much larger hand...a red one!?
"Snow, you're ok. I'm here"
That voice! Agunimon!? I looked up to see that I was in fact being held by him now, my head on his shoulder. Looking to his eyes it was him! But...it wasn't Agunimon...his features looked familiar, but with also aspects of BurningGreymon too? At the realisation it was my friend the fear and panic I felt began to fade, replaced more by an elated happiness, and hope that this wasn't over, not yet! The question still remained though...and speaking softly, still weak I voiced that question
"Who...are you?" a smile appeared on his face, as he held my hand tightly
"I am Aldamon, and I am going to give Devimon here a piece of our mind" I felt him begin to kneel, as he placed me against the wall ensuring he was between me and Devimon, who still seemed to be recovering from the shock that my partner had arrived "I need you to stay here, ok? Don't move, I'll be back soon"
"Ok...go get him" I managed a weak smile, and rest my head against the wall, still feeling incredibly weak, I likely would not have been able to stand anyway to be fair, and all I wanted to do was rest...I kept my eyes open though, and watched as Aldamon approached Devimon, remaining firmly between me and him, his large wings spread out wide, as his tail moved slowly from side to side...Devimon was in for it now.
X-X-X
When I stepped through the portal I could already sense something was amiss from the energies it had let off as I stepped through to the other side. The cold sensation from it faded rapidly with the heat of my own body and I appeared to be in some kind of circular room.
Looking back behind me I noticed two things immediately, one being the lack of an actual portal here...and the other, the lack of my partner.
"Damn it...a trap!?" I quickly stepped away from where I had appeared and closed my eyes in an attempt to locate Snow, I still had the lingering sense of his presence and knew he was somewhere, but his exact location was being shrouded by the very darkness of this damned place...no doubt part of the design of whatever was supposed to happen inside that portal. I imagined Devimon wanted to split us up, knowing that together he would stand no chance...and I would assume he would attack Snow first as that was the kind of coward he was.
I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting Devimon once more, when he attacked a village which I had been defending – this was long before Snow became my partner and when I was still only new to being Agunimon, only having recently attained the ability to retain this digi-volution. His attack had been brutal, but he did everything he could to avoid anyone who would stand up to him – instead trying to destroy families, and those who did not have the ability to fight back...I had managed to save most of those digimon...but not everyone...
The village was left a smouldering mess, with no sign of life afterwards, and he just went on his way and I wasn't able to stop him...well, not this time. I was going to get revenge for those he killed, all those not jus t in the village but in all the places his dark and foul being had touched...I had Snow this time, I had my partner – I had the strength and power to stand toe to toe and bring him to his knees...and give him what he deserves.
Firstly, and most importantly though I had to find Snow, if he was injured...or worse then I might not get that opportunity. Looking around the room there was only one exit which I could find, and that was a winding staircase descending downwards , spiralling into darkness. Lighting up a flame on my gauntlet I began to make the descent through the dimly lit passage, hearing the wind howl from below I made my way as quickly as I could.
Whilst passing downwards I managed to find a window which had a clear look out to the area we were currently in...around the castle was a forest of vermillion trees, and dark hues in the sky – a muted landscape which was seemingly dead...the evil which resided here having permeated the landscape around it and warping it into a dark, and twisted mockery of itself...I recognised this place though – The forest of the Lost, this was the next destination after the mountains. Although this was well off the beaten path...at least I knew we had not managed to go too far.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs I began the search of the various corridors which littered the castle. Seemingly going on in every direction – every turn I made revealing another half dozen routes to go, locked doors and seemingly empty chambers - the tatters of civilisation rotting where they stood, paintings, tapestries, and wooden furniture – all of it at various stages of their life.
I turned another corner, then another – going from one place to another, following me instinct and the growing feelings of fear I could sense in the distance from Snow...I could feel how tense he was, confused too...no doubt knowing Devimon he was trying to play with his mind, and perhaps trick him, or, weaken him mentally before he attacked...just how he liked his victims, easy pickings.
Eventually after countless minutes of wandering, and searching I found something promising – a large, wooden door with heavy iron fixtures. It was larger than any other door I had encountered so far, and also featured another discerning aspect – a dark, shimmering field barring entry to it.
"This is dark magic..." I spoke softly, putting my hand forward to test its reaction, and surely enough as soon as my fingers touch the very think surface of it, I felt a powerful surge of dark energy begin to surge to that point. Rapidly moving my hand back before it could finish charging whatever counter-measure it had.
Taking a step back, I took a moment to close my eyes and focus my thoughts, to see if I could sense anything on the other side of the door, and more importantly if Snow was beyond.
The dark energies still tried to disrupt my thoughts, bombarding me with various feelings and distractions to sway me from getting a pin-point on Snow's emotions. It was still extremely fuzzy. However, that changed as I felt something extremely bright pierce that darkness, and heard Snow's voice!
'Please, help me'
Panic clear in his tone, and with it acting as a beacon in the ocean I immediately knew Snow was on the other side of these doors, and was in danger...meaning Devimon was in there too!
Charging up my fist, I prepared to punch my way through that barrier if I had to, backing up as flames wrapped around my form, I growled lowly and readied myself to jump forward, and literally tear that barrier apart if I had to! The sense of panic and confusion eminating from Snow growing...
"I'm coming, just hold on in there!" Leaping forward, I pulled my fist back, and slammed it forward straight into the barrier, hearing the sound of crackling electricity as it arched outwards from where my heavy fist had collided with the barrier. Holding the position for a moment, I was about to pull back, and raise my legs to kick at the same spot when the field of darkness gave a shallow hum, from where I had punched a ripple moving out, and then back in...Before I could pull back the ripple collided back with my fist and knocked me back onto the ground, my body flying back several feet in the process.
Landing heavily, I pulled myself together, and got back to my feet...I was not going to be stopped by a barrier! Preparing to attack it once more, I pulled my arm back, and moved my weight to the back of my leg...but just as I was about to jump forward a bright, and shining white light begin to pierce the air to the side of the door...starting as only a small sphere of light, before eventually opening up to the size of a portal...
This one was different however, unlike the portal which had been created back in the mines, which had crackled with dark and ethereal energies...this one felt warmer, the source behind it giving off a radiance which was comforting, and inviting, rather than oppressive.
"You will never break the barrier that way Agunimon" a voice came from the portal, soft but certainly masculine – I stepped back from it slightly unsure as to what to think – I had already fallen for one trap today from Devimon, I wasn't ready to fall into another one...
"Who are you?!" I shouted back, demanding an answer
"I am neither friend, but neither am I your enemy...your partner is in trouble – I can help you" the tone of the voice was even and honest, thought if neither enemy nor friend? Just why was he helping me then?
"Why? What is in it for you?" it would make sense, if he was going to help me, and wasn't doing it because he was friend, there must have been some kind of benefit...To be fair at this stage I wasn't about to argue it really, but if it was a danger to Snow...
"Balance – the events here must happen – Devimon must die, and what he is doing now contradicts that fate. In this place, at this time – Devimon, must fall, and Snow must live" his explanation was odd, and strange and the reasoning for it I didn't really understand – but the key part of it told me everything I needed to know
"What can you do?" if he was willing to help me get to Snow, and stop Devimon then I would work with whoever this was, I could worry about the motives and the details when we were away from this place, and Devimon lain defeated.
"I can transfer the power of your partner's emotions, for you to digi-volve to the mega level. Then, I shall open a rift for you to enter the throne room...I can freeze time for a few seconds so you might make your partner safe – before striking Devimon down...I must warn you though, with my interference...there will be consequences" I could sense no deception in his tone, and if he could do everything mentioned then it would be all I needed. The consequences I was unconcerned with – all that mattered as Snow.
Seeing no other options, and feeling the panic from Snow only increase...I closed my eyes and tightened my fist – this ends here, it had to end here.
"Do it" my eyes snapped open and burned with determination. With that I felt my body engulfed with flames as I felt power like I had never had before, flowing through my body as the fire in my soul swelled larger, burning white hot.
The flames around my body burned wild, and grew out as I took my new form...Aldamon.
The flames around me began to subside, I stood as tall as BurningGreymon, a little taller in fact – and my features shared those of both that form, and my Agunimon form – a hybrid of the best aspects of both. I could feel the power of both inside of me, and on my arms were the Rudri associated with my BurningGreymon form...except these were expanded, and significantly more powerful.
"Good luck Aldamon – I look forward to meeting you again soon" with that the portal opened wide enough for me to step through, which I did with no hesitation...the voice had been true to its word so far, and even if I didn't know who or what it was...I trusted it.
As I walked through I felt the familiar cold as I came through to the other side – however this time the cold seemed to remain after I appeared in the throne room, which was covered in a brilliant thin layer of white ice...frozen in time quite literally.
Ahead of me was Devimon, his back to me unaware of my presence. He had gotten a hold of Snow who was dangling in front of him, holding him like you would a dog, his clawed hand digging into his neck as he just dangled there...
Not wanting to waste a moment of the advantage I had, I launched forward, and immediately grasped at Snow, ripping him away from Devimon. Holding him against me I watched as the ice coating of the room began to disappear, as if it had never even existed – leaving Snow safely with me and Devimon looking both dazed and confused with what had just happened.
"What?" hearing Snow speak, I smiled to him, and put his free hand in mine, holding it tightly, letting him know I was here for him – the time freeze must have left him a little confused, as he opened his eyes slowly, as if coming out of a deep sleep
"Snow, you're ok, I'm here" not wanting him to panic I reassured him, knowing that it must have all been a little confusing for him right now, as he tugged at his arm before realising he must have been held by something, his gaze moved up and as he saw my face and saw a relieved smile from him.
"Who...are you?" I held his hand tighter,
"I am Aldamon, and I am going to give Devimon here a piece of our mind" turning to the side, I slowly kneeled down and placed Snow against the wall, ensuring he was safe and as comfortable as he could be – I couldn't risk him being with me in this battle, not directly anyway – I would keep him guarded though, so long as I kept myself between me, and Devimon.
"Ok...go get him" I watched Snow rest his head against the wall, and stood up, nodding to him as I turned to face our enemy. Releasing my wings, I pointed my cannons forward, as the sides of them released, to show the exposed metalwork...and the more advanced firepower I now possessed...this was going to be quick!
"This is not possible! How did you manage to enter into this chamber...let alone digi-volve! Answer me!" Devimon backed away; I could sense something from him, and something I would have never thought to feel from one such as him...fear
"I am here to destroy you...for all the actions you have done, for all the innocent Digimon you have hurt, and most importantly...for even daring to hurt my friends" charging my cannons, I watched him try to back away, as he charged up his own attack at me.
"DEATH HAND!" he raised his hands and from them emitted a powerful dark energy, no doubt trying to finish me off before I could attack...no matter, he didn't stand a chance!
"ATOMIC INFERNO!" countering his attack with my own, from my now expanded Rudri thousands of tiny fireballs began to fire from the exposed ports, and flew directly at Devimon, cutting on through the darkness of his own attacking and striking him directly – the explosions going off echoed all across the chamber, and the dust rose up – his screams of agony enough for me to know he didn't have a counter to it, taking the full brunt of the massive damage.
Closing up my cannons as the folded behind my arms, I waited for a moment as the dust from the fireballs began to clear and walking forward I saw his form lying prone on the floor, unmoving and unflinching. I heard a groan though as I stood beside him – he was still alive...that wasn't going to remain the same for long.
Bringing up my foot, I placed it hard down on his chest, immediately getting a reaction as he reached his hands up and tried to push me off of him – to no avail. Aiming my Rudri down, I charged up a shot to finish him off – hearing him grunt and groan, barely containing my rage, I watched him for a moment...a Dark Lord, someone who had caused misery and pain to so many...defeated so easily.
"Before I kill you...before I end your pitiful pathetic life, answer me one thing – Why? Why is my partner so important to you?" I pressed my foot down harder on his chest, to get the point across – as he coughed hard.
"You...really don't know...do you?!" he stared up at me, a grin still plastered across his face "You don't...know anything! Ha-ha...oh that's...rich"
"Silence!" I pressed down with a quick stomp, as he cried out in pain; I leaned down, my Rudri now placed firmly against his head "Why is Snow so important?"
"The...prophecy...is no prophecy at all...it is a warning...The circle must be broken...that is...what I was trying to do...constants and variables...you will see, soon enough...Snow has...to die"
"You first..." with that I stood up straight and with a final burst he was gone...watching as his data began fading away into the air of the castle, soon leaving nothing but a blast imprint on the floor where he had laid.
While he faded out of existence I wondered on what he had said...'The Circle Must Be Broken' those were the words in the prophecy that we knew, the only ones we knew...but, could it in fact be a warning...but for what? And why? If it was a warning then where or what was this circle? And why did it need to be broken?
"Aldamon?" I broke away from my thoughts when I heard the familiar voice of Snow calling to me from the side...
X-X-X
I couldn't believe it...it was, it was amazing. In a blast of light he was gone, the nightmare itself, a walking disaster just gone, like that.
Usually I would have felt bad for him, felt some guilt for having to kill another living being, but in the case of Devimon I didn't feel anything like that, only a sense of relief and...Happiness? I was happy he was gone, no longer able to torment me, the Gotsumon, and the countless others he had terrorised in all this time. I was conflicted...I felt like I was a terrible person, and at the same time I felt as if I had done this world a favour...
"Aldamon?" I pushed myself up on the wall as the dazed sensation had all but worn off now, leaving me to think and act straight once more – and with the removal of Devimon the feeling of heavy dread in the air, which previously have been so pervasive began to fade too, my chest, my whole body feeling lighter.
I watched Aldamon approach, now having an opportunity to take it all in fully – he really was a hybrid of both Agunimon and BurningGreymon, it was quite the sight! It was as if you took the best elements of both, super-charged them and put them back together...after all he had just taken Devimon down without even breaking a sweat...quick, simple...deadly.
"Are you alright? He didn't hurt you did he?" he kneeled down in front of me, and put his large hand out, putting it on my shoulder, and turning me gently on the spot, as if inspecting to ensure no parts of me happened to be missing. I chuckled and waved him off
"No, no I'm fine now – thanks to you...that was...well you are amazing. Thank you Aldamon...you saved my life again...I'm sorry" I cast my gaze down, as I finished up my sentence, this was the third time he had to come to my rescue...I felt bad for him always having to come running to help me, and fight to protect me...
"Oh Snow, you don't need to apologise for that, ever – that's what I am here for, to protect you, and I will always protect you, that's what friends do – you want to know why I was able to become Aldamon?" I felt his hand below my chin as he slowly and carefully moved my gaze upwards – my eyes with tears forming as I looked into his peaceful, blue gaze "I heard you call for me, the power of your spirit calling for help gave me the power to become who I am, just like when I became BurningGreymon for the first time, remember? This is the power of your spirit, and look at what it can do...you are stronger than you know"
I felt myself blush as he spoke, but broke a smile. Reaching my hands up I held his for a moment, before putting them around his arm and giving him a quick hug, holding him tightly as I felt the warmth from his body offset the cool air of the castle surrounding us, comforting me and as always making me feel safe.
"Thanks buddy...for everything" I backed up and smiled wide, we had taken our first big step forward and brought down one of the Dark Lords, one of the evils of this world...just one more to go...
Backing away, and looking over my shoulder to the windows I was going to break previously, I was about to ask for a lift out of this place when suddenly Aldamon was reaching for his chest clutching over his armour, a pained expression, flames started to spit wildly out from his armour...the feeling of panic reacting once more, as I reached forward for him, as he rested a head on the ground in an attempt to balance himself.
"What's wrong!?" I tried to place my hand on his shoulder, to comfort him, the pain causing him to collapse out of the blue like this, his breathing to heavy...but as soon as I did I had to pull away, giving a short cry of in pain...he was burning hot...literally heating up! Looking down to my hand, I wasn't burnt at least, but still…even now the ambient temperature around him was growing hotter and hotter!
"Aldamon...please..." I backed up as gouts of flame erupted wildly; one passing over the top of my head as I barely ducked in time to avoid losing my hair, the heat from it was extreme! I backed up slowly; looking at him with concern...I couldn't get close enough to try and help him, the sounds coming from him being of agony…
Before long his entire form was engulfed in powerful flames, I had to back up even further to avoid being burst just by the air itself...I had seen his form being engulfed before, when he was attacking, this wasn't normal...this was something different.
Before too long, the flames finally began to dissipate, tapering off into the air, and as quickly as the overwhelming heat appeared, it vanished – leaving a motionless body on the ground, no taller than half my height.
Lying on the ground was tanned skinned individual, with wild red hair and markings along his body. What looked like leather gauntlets on his arm and similar garments for his long shorts, finished up with a belt with the same symbol Agunimon had on his helmet…what stunned me most was the most prominent feature, a tail…a long, red tail.
"Agunimon?" I spoke gently and tried to shake his shoulders to wake him up, to try getting some sense out of him. My hands firmly pressed against him, I could feel his chest rising up slowly as he breathed...he was alive at least...but, unconscious perhaps? Sleeping? Either way he was not responding to my increasingly panicked attempts to rouse him from whatever he was in.
Whilst I continued to make attempts to wake him, in the far distance I could hear the sound of thunder, loud, and powerful, the ground shaking gently underneath me as if it was about to be swallowed up from under me, rising up, and then back down...
"You must run..." a voice, soft but male spoke out of nowhere...looking around me I stood up to attention "You must run...I shall guide the way for you..." I spun around rapidly on my heels to try find the source of the voice, which echoed off the walls of the vast, barren chamber.
As the voice finished his statement the door to the right swung open powerfully, as if hit my a powerful gust of wind...the ground once more shaking violently beneath me, this time dipping further, and shaking longer.
"Wait, who are you?" I asked, a little concerned I was hearing voices out of thin air...but then the ground shook for a third time, this time almost knocking me to the ground with the intensity...the rocks under me beginning to crack at the unrelenting power of the shakes.
"I have no time to explain – I will help you but you have to trust me, you must run" Did I really have much choice? I looked down to the motionless form of whatever evolution of Agunimon this was on the ground and picked him up in my arms, similar to how he had me when snatched away from Devimon. Holding him tightly against me, his head resting on my shoulder I made my way at a jogging pace out of the room and towards the open door...looking back just in time to see the room shake for a final time, the place where I had just been begin to fall into the ground rapidly! Stone being swallowed up into a black void!
"This place will not hold for long, without Devimon to sustain it will collapse in on itself...I am using what power I can to hold it off, please, run, now!" as if to spurt me on, I saw the ground I was stood on begin to shake violently too, and taking it as a final indication I made my way rapidly down the corridor...the sound of thunder now near constant as rock, brick and earth began to fall into a giant sinkhole which had formed under the castle! Dust from the room began to mall, and masonry come apart from the walls, as they took began to collapse!
Deciding this really was not the time for twenty questions, I would trust this voice – I took off running, and I took off fast, clutching onto my friend has tightly as I could, slowly me down slightly but daring not to think of leaving him behind – he had helped me, and saved me, it was my time to do the same for him!
"Hold on…buddy…I'll get…us out of….here" I breathed hard between words, feeling my heart beating rapidly in my chest, threatening to burst out at any moment, as I took turn after turn in the castle, following a trail of faint light on the floor, which blow down doors as I came to them. Wood splintered to the ground.
My chest burned, my arms ached, my ears deafened by the absolute chaos behind me, daring not to look back in fear of tripping, or seeing the true terror which waited for me!
I could feel the ground under me become unstable, bouncing up and down as my feet came down hard, the uneven stone platforms telling me whatever I was escaping was getting closer, and I wasn't going fast enough!
"You are nearly there, keep going Snow!"
The voice encouraged me, almost hearing pleading for us to make those last few turns to freedom. Finally seeing it in front of me, it was a large open portcullis, the walls around it cracked already as all I could see outside of it was a bright, brilliant light.
I had no idea what I would be running into but it had to be better than what I was already running from! I could see the ground in front of me begin to collapse, I didn't have long, no I didn't have any time at all as I saw the walls collapse through the corner of my eyes!
"Hold…ON!" I cried out, as I got to the last few meters, and took my chances…I jumped!
Putting as much energy into my legs, I held onto my partner tightly and jumped for all it was worth, the ground below me fading into the black darkness which was the void now surrounding me!
"COME! ON!" making a final cry before closing my eyes as I hoped to any and all gods which might have listened…to let me make that jump and to escape this castle as I leaped into the bright light.
X-X-X
"…and that was the last we heard from both of them, My Lord. Devimon and LadyDevimon have both gone silent, as well as operations in the mine, and from the castle in the forest" he kneeled at the bottom of the stairs in the throne room, daring not to look up into my eyes…no doubt afraid that since he was bearing what he thought was bad news I would punish him…and usually I would, however this was in fact quite the opposite.
"And the digi-destined? Any news of them?" I asked, my head propped up on my hand, which rested lazily on the arm of my throne.
"Two of them are confirmed to be alive, and well – they only shortly ago left the mines and are making progress to Central Terminal…the other one who faced Devimon, we have not found any evidence to believe they are alive – our scouts have searched the remains of the castle and could not identify any tracks leaving it before its destruction" I smirked under the shadow of the light.
"Devimon tried to tempt fate, and alter our plans – what happened to him is an example of what will happen to any other who defy me…know that the chosen who faced Devimon is alive, I know he is…continue preparation as planned in Central Terminal" I stood, and walked over to the top of the stairs, sneering down at my minion "Go" I waved him off
"Yes, My Lord!" he bowed deeply once more before making his way out of the chamber, watching him make his exit I made sure I was alone, before walking back to my throne.
Next to it was a small computer terminal, standing at the keyboard with many strange symbols; I tapped away at it for a moment, signalling an acquaintance...After a few seconds, the screen gave the indication I had a connection to who I wanted to speak to.
Leaning in close, I placed my hands on either side of a small monitor, my mouth inches away from the receiver.
"So, you interfered? Quite unusual for you my old friend" I leaned back from the monitor as upon it a flickering image showed the form of the individual I was speaking to, though blurry the features were roughly humanoid.
"I preserved the balance – I did not do it to help, or hinder you. As you are now aware…"
"…Yes, Constants and Variables…it's interesting that Devimon reacted in the way he did, but not entirely unexpected…none the less I must thank you…Snow cannot be allowed to die, not just yet anyway…mark my words though, he will fall" I chuckled darkly as the image from the screen flicked one final time before fading away, once more leaving me alone in my chambers.
He had passed the first test, and did so admirably, but the cards were still stacked in my favour – He would soon learn the truth that you can't fight against destiny.
You can't fight a shadow.
X-X-X
So there we have it! That's the end of Act 1! We have seen Snow come to the Digital World, experience what it has to offer, made friends, enemies and even defeated a few of them!
Hope everyone has enjoyed reading this so far, Act 2 will see our heroes continue the journey, and I am really excited to showcase the changing relationship between Snow and Agunimon.
Some of the more perceptive of you may perhaps be thinking a certain line in this chapter is from somewhere else, and you would be right – and will become ever more important as the story progresses – it also gives you an idea of how the plot will develop!
Until then – Please let me know your thoughts, any questions / comments!
– Peace!